Help with an evening/ party dress please?

[AmmeEmma]

Early 50s, 5’9”, ok arms and legs, thicker middle, nonexistent bust.
The dress code is black tie but not necessarily long.

Or maybe.
If there any experts I’d appreciate some advice. Thank you.

I like the green one and the pinkfloral/leopard one.

The Phase 8 and Ted Baker ones look too bridesmaidy for me and the black polka dot Whistles one looks frumpy even on the model.

I agree that these look quite wedding guesty, and you could go a bit more glam for black tie. I'd also go for darker/more dramatic colours for an evening do.

1 & 2 I like both of these, love this sort of neckline. I think to decide between the two you would have to see in person - 2 could swing a bit casual depending on fabric but I think has potential to be the best.

3 not fond of this, can't put my finger on why, just feels quite boring and done many times before. MN hate this but for want of a better word it could look frumpy. There isn't really anything modern about it.

4 &5 don't look especially black tie to me.

They're (mostly) really nice dresses, but I'm not sure any of them are really formal enough for black tie. Can you tell us what the event is?

That aside, I agree that the green one is best.

I like the first two. You will need something to keep you warm too.

The paler ones seem more daytime dresses. The green one would work well for the evening.

I'm not saying these exact dresses, but more this vibe, iyswim?

And this one - Reiss seems to be all about the one shoulder!

I really like them all except number 3. 2 is gorgeous.

I really like the green one - it's lovely and seems a bit more glam to me than the others.

None are really black tie. Look at Ever Pretty for reasonably priced evening dresses, I use them for my DD's (musicians ). Mine are from monsoon and bravissimo

Green one from first message, or spotty from second, depending on how they fit.

I agree, 2 is lovely-love that neckline. Not so keen on the others. Have a look at Adrianna Pappell on John Lewis, they have some amazing bargains if you’re lucky enough to find a sale one in your size.

What colours suit you?

I think of black tie as being less flowery and more about satin/sparkles. From Ted Baker say Zaaaraa, Kinseyy, Tilliey as well as the ivory one.

Thank you very much for the comments. I agree they look a bit wedding guest.
The party is a joint 50th and one of the hosts told me that her dress isn't full length and that although the invitation says black tie what they mean is 'wow party dresses'. Tricky to navigate.
I'm drawn to the green although my lack of bust means I might struggle with finding a bra, which I must have.
I also like the leopard print but it's miles away from my usual safe choices.
What I'd love to find is a midi or maxi chiffon in a Pucci type print, if such a thing exists!

The green one is lovely.

Have you looked at Rixo?

I've just looked @asparalite , there are some great ones but not quite dressy enough.
I need to move away from generic wedding guest to middle aged siren

www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/emilio-pucci/dresses/maxi-dress/knotted-printed-jersey-maxi-dress/6630340696081502

Sigh.
Wouldn't it be lovely? Lottery win would do it

www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/emilio-pucci/dresses/maxi-dress/open-back-printed-silk-twill-maxi-dress/6630340696168187

Slightly more affordable

There must be some dupes somewhere

rixo.co.uk/products/bluebelle-purple-psychedelic-butterfly

Maybe but I'm sure you've seen it already

That metallic Reiss one is WOW - defintely get that to try - the best by a mile

@therearenogoodusernamesleft

I'm not saying these exact dresses, but more this vibe, iyswim?

Whaaa, that one shoulder black velvet dress is one of the classiest dresses I've ever seen! I love that soooo much. Want to buy it but have nothing to wear it to 😄